Culture Trip's Guide to Devon

Sitting on the River Yealm, the Rose and Crown radiates comfort in the way only a local pub can. Plush furnishings, ensuites and spacious rooms come together in a relaxing stay. The real jewel in the crown, though, is feeling like a local as you trot from the period residence to the neighbouring pub to order fish and chips battered in local ale.

Taking its name from the Chinese characters ān and rán meaning peace and tranquillity, ANRÁN is the embodiment of every city-dweller’s country living fantasy. Exuding serenity from its slower pace of life, the private pool, lily pond and nearby lake all add to the tranquil air, while unexpected touches – exotic plants against exposed brickwork – reveal an attention to detail throughout this rustic estate.

This hotel might be characterised by plush luxury but guests are encouraged to remain comfortable – and you can enjoy nature’s bounty from a cliff-top hotel room with wall-to-wall windows and a smattering of scatter cushions.Decked out in desert neutrals amid the warm glow of wicker lampshades, the restaurant has a Mediterranean air about it, amplified by the shimmering ocean vista and seafood dishes like spaghetti alle vongole. Look through another window and you’ll be met with wild moorlands befitting an episode of Poldark.

Few places are awarded the coveted AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) status, so when they are, you know it’s worth a gander. Starting at Strete, a pretty coastal village dotted with pretty pastel houses, head for Blackpool Sands; a pebbly sliver of beach between cerulean water and lush green vegetation. Meanwhile in Kingsbridge, proving that beer and baked goods needn’t be mutually exclusive, South Hams Brewery and Stokely Farm Shop serve locally brewed pints and cream teams (local tip: the cream always goes on before the jam).

Cut through the skies with the grace and serenity only a glider can offer. Soar a mile above sea level, and for the full pilot experience, you can even take the controls yourself, guided by your expert instructor. Free from whirring engines, you can enjoy a peaceful ride above the rolling Devonshire countryside with unspoilt views only a bird can compete with.

The life and literature of Agatha Christie – who was born in Devon in 1890 – are deliciously entwined, as you’ll discover on this bespoke walking tour. Born in Torquay, a seaside resort dubbed the English Riviera and characterised by craggy limestone cliffs and sweeping sands, Christie’s Devon is one of palatial houses, Victorian boardwalks, secluded coves and moorlands shrouded in sea fog. Pack a novel or two in your knapsack and enjoy – this is not to be missed.

Some days you just want a straight-up brekkie without the pomp and pageantry: enter the Daisy Café, which serves fuss-free staples so well it’s won awards, and is lauded as the “best breakfast in Exeter”. Lashings of crispy back bacon, locally sourced eggs and all the typical trimmings make this English breakfast the best way to start the day; fuelled for an afternoon pounding the cobbled streets of this medieval market town.

Generous portions and tapas aren’t usually found in the same sentence, but unexpected pairings are the calling card of this east meets southwest eatery (by way of the Mediterranean). Japanese steamed buns stuffed with BBQ pork jostle for space on a menu that reads like a roll call of global appetisers. The asian brisket skewers are another fan favourite, prompting locals to flock to Small World Tapas whenever they reappear on the ever-changing menu.

Expect cocktails served in cut-glass champagne saucers and gins in fishbowls bigger than your head. Specialising in botanical beverages, the Terrace’s signature terrace rose cocktail is flourished and mixed with petals. Part art deco, part English country garden, the interiors are catnip for Instagram, while the artfully-decorated drinks are a match for the sprawling view of the city from the Terrace’s rooftop – best enjoyed at sunset with a chilled glass of rosé.